How to Google Docs Combine PDF Files (And a Superior Method!)

Why Combine PDFs?

There are several compelling reasons to merge multiple PDFs into one. Primarily, it simplifies storage and review; instead of managing multiple files, everything is neatly organized within a single document. This consolidated approach also makes sharing more efficient, as you only need to send one file link instead of juggling several. Additionally, merging PDFs is invaluable for archiving purposes, ensuring that related documents are kept together for future reference and easy retrieval. Consider also password protecting the resulting file following https://breezepdf.com/blog/password-protecting-the-PDF!

Method 1: Using Google Docs (Limited Functionality)

Google Docs can be used to combine PDFs, but it's often a clunky and imperfect process. Google Docs is primarily designed for text-based documents, and converting a PDF can lead to frustrating formatting issues, and a loss of image quality that you might not be happy with. Let's explore the steps and limitations.

A. Converting to Google Docs

The first step involves uploading your PDF to Google Drive. Once uploaded, you need to open the PDF with Google Docs. Keep in mind that this automatically converts the PDF into a Google Docs document. The critical limitation here lies in the potential for formatting inconsistencies and a reduction in image quality during the conversion process, which could be a challenge depending on the PDF you are trying to combine.

B. Copying and Pasting Content

After converting each PDF to a Google Docs document, you must then open all the documents in separate Google Docs windows. Manually copy the content from one document and paste it into another. This manual process is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors, especially when dealing with large or complex PDFs containing intricate layouts or numerous images. The manual copying and pasting introduces a significant chance that something will go amiss.

C. Saving as a Single PDF

Once you've painstakingly copied all the content into one Google Doc, you can then download the combined document as a PDF. To do this, navigate to "File" > "Download" > "PDF Document." However, even after this step, formatting discrepancies may persist, and the final PDF might not be a perfect representation of the original documents.

D. Using Mail Merge Add-on (Separate PDF Creation)

The mail merge add-on in Google Docs is not directly intended to combine PDFs. Rather, it assists in generating individual PDFs using a template. Here are the general steps you could take, should you want to use mail merge to generate PDFs from a template:

1. Step 1: Type document template in Google Docs
2. Step 2: Click Options in the Mail Merge sidebar to open the Options dialog box
3. Step 3: Select Multiple Documents from the Merge Letters Into drop-down menu
4. Step 4: Select Yes from Save to PDF drop-down menu
5. Step 5: Click My Drive under Save Merged Files To
6. Step 6: Click Save to save your PDF mail merge to individual letters or certificates
7. Step 7: Select Letters & click Merge

E. Limitations of Google Docs Method

The Google Docs method is plagued with limitations. The conversion process often introduces formatting issues, requiring significant manual correction. The process is also time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple documents. Google Docs lacks advanced features like page reordering or page deletion, and this method relies heavily on a stable internet connection. Furthermore, the editing capabilities are basic, making it difficult to perform complex edits or https://breezepdf.com/blog/acrobat-add-fillable-form-fields after combining.

Method 2: Using Google Drive with "PDF Merge and Split" App

Another approach involves leveraging Google Drive along with a third-party app called "PDF Merge and Split." This method aims to simplify the merging process but comes with its own set of considerations.

A. Installing the App

To begin, open Google Drive and navigate to "connect more apps". Search for and install "Merge and Split" from the Google Workspace Marketplace. Granting access to third-party apps always carries potential security implications, so exercise caution.

B. Merging PDFs

Once installed, select all the PDF files you wish to combine and open them with "Merge and Split." After the files are uploaded, click "Create PDF" and then "Merge PDF." A preview will be displayed, and you can then save the merged PDF to Google Drive or download it directly to your device. While this method streamlines the process compared to Google Docs, it still relies on a third-party app and internet connectivity.

C. Drawbacks

Using a third-party app introduces potential security risks, as you're granting access to your Google Drive data. Furthermore, your merging relies on a stable internet connection. The features offered by such apps may vary in quality and functionality, potentially falling short of your needs.

The BreezePDF Solution: A Better Way to Combine PDFs

BreezePDF presents a streamlined, secure, and feature-rich alternative to Google Docs and third-party apps for merging PDFs. As a dedicated PDF solution, BreezePDF prioritizes speed, ease of use, and privacy, ensuring your documents remain on your device. With BreezePDF, you can combine multiple PDF files quickly and efficiently without compromising formatting or security.

A. Introduction to BreezePDF

BreezePDF is designed with simplicity and privacy in mind. It operates entirely within your browser, meaning your files never leave your device. You can add input boxes, type on PDFs, sign documents, add images, and even password-protect your PDFs, all within a user-friendly interface. BreezePDF simplifies PDF workflows with an array of features.

B. Step-by-Step Guide to Combining PDFs with BreezePDF

Combining PDFs with BreezePDF is a straightforward process:

1. Step 1: Open BreezePDF and select "Merge PDF."
2. Step 2: Add files – you can add multiple PDFs at once.
3. Step 3: Arrange files – reorder the pages and documents as needed within the interface.
4. Step 4: Click the merge button.
5. Step 5: Save your new PDF.

C. Advantages of Using BreezePDF

BreezePDF offers several advantages over Google Docs and third-party apps. It's faster and more efficient, preserving formatting and image quality. Beyond merging, BreezePDF provides advanced features such as page deletion, rotation, and compression, giving you complete control over your PDF documents. With its offline capabilities, you can combine PDFs anytime, anywhere, without relying on an internet connection. You can also add input boxes, type on PDFs, sign documents, add images, and even password-protect your PDFs following https://breezepdf.com/blog/acrobat-add-fillable-form-fields. All these features and more are available completely free!

Other Tools Mentioned:

While many tools exist to help you merge and combine PDF documents, here are a few more tools that you might have heard of:

• CutePDF Editor
• Foxit PDF Editor
• Adobe Acrobat

FAQs (Based on Scraped Content)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to PDF merging in Google Drive:

Q1: What is the best PDF merger that works with Google Drive?

A: One option mentioned was a PDF merger from Heroku.

Q2: How do I combine two images into one PDF in Google Drive?

A: You can upload the images into Google Drive using the "+ New" button.

Q3: What is the shortcut for merging in Google Drive?

A: This refers to merging cells in Google Sheets, where you select the cells by clicking and dragging the cursor over them.

Conclusion

While Google Docs offers some functionality for combining PDFs, it often falls short in terms of efficiency, formatting accuracy, and security. Third-party apps may provide a slightly better experience but introduce potential privacy concerns. BreezePDF emerges as the optimal solution, offering a seamless, secure, and feature-rich experience for merging your PDF documents. It allows users to easily https://breezepdf.com/blog/how-to-add-fill-in-boxes-in-pdf and so much more.

Download BreezePDF and try it for free today to experience the difference!